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refractory
[ ri-frak-tuh-ree ]
adjective
- hard or impossible to manage; stubbornly disobedient:
a refractory child.
Synonyms: ungovernable, recalcitrant, disobedient, intractable, headstrong, mulish, perverse, obstinate
- resisting ordinary methods of treatment.
- difficult to fuse, reduce, or work, as an ore or metal.
noun
- a material having the ability to retain its physical shape and chemical identity when subjected to high temperatures.
- refractories, bricks of various shapes used in lining furnaces.
refractory
/ rɪˈfræktərɪ /
adjective
- unmanageable or obstinate
- med not responding to treatment
- (of a material) able to withstand high temperatures without fusion or decomposition
noun
- a material, such as fireclay or alumina, that is able to withstand high temperatures: used to line furnaces, kilns, etc
refractory
/ rĭ-frăk′tə-rē /
- Having a high melting point. Ceramics that are made from clay and minerals are often refractory, as are metal oxides and carbides. Refractory materials are often used as liners in furnaces.
- Resistant to heat.
- Of or relating to a refractory period.
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Derived Forms
- reˈfractorily, adverb
- reˈfractoriness, noun
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Other Words From
- re·fracto·ri·ly adverb
- re·fracto·ri·ness noun
- unre·fracto·ry adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of refractory1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of refractory1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
As our patient battled drug toxicities and refractory infection, we began to discuss one last option.
Diagnosed with refractory acute myeloid leukemia at age 7, Sam was very brave but also very sick.
When pure and of close hard grain it is used as a refractory for lining furnaces, especially those designed for anthracite.
And so mother and daughter in Mr. Wilding's absence pleaded his cause with his refractory bride-elect.
At last one of the men mounted his horse, and set out with his lariat to lasso the refractory beast in true cow-boy style.
The guard-room, 8, is identified by the remains of stocks, in which the refractory were fastened for punishment or safe-keeping.
She understood literature and the beauties of poetry, but it was too late to cultivate her refractory memory.
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